Meet the manager of Athy's Shackleton Experience
Aline FitzGerald
THE NEW manager of Shackleton Experience in Athy, the only institution in the world dedicated to the life and legacy of Kildare-born polar explorer Ernest Shackleton, has strong local connections and an impressive CV to boot.
Aline FitzGerald has taken on the role in the facility which is located in the beautifully restored 300-year-old town hall on Emily Square.
Originally from Brannockstown, Co Kildare, Aline is an accomplished tourism and hospitality professional with extensive experience in those sectors, as well as business operations and development. Before joining the Shackleton Experience, she served as general manager of the GPO Museum on Dublin’s O’Connell Street, where she played a pivotal role in its successful launch in 2016.
Her career also includes five years with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in Chicago, followed by a key role in the establishment and long-term success of Four Seasons Hotel Dublin, which she guided through its pre-opening phase and later transition to the InterContinental brand As general manager, she will be leading the redevelopment and day-to-day operations of this world-class visitor experience, ensuring that Shackleton’s story continues to inspire audiences from Ireland and across the globe.
Throughout her career, Aline has collaborated with corporate partners, incentive groups and state agencies to promote Ireland as a premier destination for business tourism. Her analytical thinking, problem-solving ability and strong stakeholder engagement skills continue to underpin her professional success.
Commenting on her appointment, Peter Carey, chair of the Shackleton Experience Board, said: “We are delighted to welcome Aline as general manager of the Shackleton Experience at what is an incredibly exciting time for the venue.
“Aline brings a wealth of experience in tourism, hospitality and cultural institutions, along with a deep personal connection to Co Kildare to the role. Her proven leadership and passion for heritage make her uniquely suited to lead this world-class exhibition as we honour the legacy of Ernest Shackleton and share his extraordinary story with a global audience.”
